(Saturday morning after breakfast the guys leave in the Hummer, and the girls are left talking.)

Crystal: Mae you never said what happened last night.

Mina: Yeah I mean, you two went through two bottles of champagne, something had to have happened.

Mae(looking away and blushing): Nothing happened.

Shannon: That can't be true you're blushing. Mae it's just us girls here.

Mae: That's what I'm afraid of. I know you three too well, if I say anything you'll start meddling. So can we please drop it, for now at least? (the others agree reluctantly) Thank you. Now about Monday.

Mina: What about Monday?

Mae: Have you forgotten already? We were going to take our road trip this week. Remember? We were going to drive to California and go to Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, Universal Studios, and Magic Mountain?

Mina: Oh yeah. Why wouldn't we still?

Shannon: We can't just leave the guys here by themselves.

Mina: Why can't they go with us? I mean they probably need a vacation more than we do. (the girls think about this for a while and decide it's a good idea. ((see blondes do get good ideas)) and Crystal goes to tell the guys that they are going on the trip with the girls. After about an hour or so there's a knock on the door, bored all three of them answer it.)

Mae(opening the door): Yes? (her eyes bulge out as do Mina's, at the sight of Treize Khushrenada and Zechs Marquise)

Treize: Pardon me but are you the owner of this house? (Mae nods wordlessly) I was wondering if you had seen these young men. (he shows the girls pictures of the guys)

Shannon: No I'm sorry we haven't. (Mina inches over to Zechs and stares at him)

Treize(bows): Then I'm sorry to have disturbed you ladies. Would you mind if I gave you my card so that you could call me if you do see them?

Shannon: Not at all. (he hands her a card, then bows again)

Treize: Again I'm sorry for disturbing you. (he and Zechs leave ((Mina looks like she's about to pounce Zechs)) Shannon looks at the card then at the other two and sighs)

Shannon: I'm calling Crys. (she closes the door and goes to call Crystal. Mae and Mina sit on the couch and start talking about Treize and Zechs. Shannon tells Crystal about Treize and Zechs' visit, Crystal tells the guys. Nothing happens on Sunday, except that they pack for the trip. Then early Monday morning they head to California. ((with Wufei complaining the whole time and Heero pointing out that they need to get away long enough for Treize and Zechs to forget that the girls might know them. And so you know here's where everyone is sitting; Crystal's driving, Duo has shotgun, or front passenger, in the middle seat, from driver side to passenger side, are Mina, Mae and Trowa; in the back seat are Wufei, Quatre, and Shannon. Heero is in the very back riding with some of the luggage. The rest of the luggage is strapped to the roof.)) They leave at 2 a.m.Sunday morning. By about 5 a.m. as they head down the highway.)

Duo(for the 17th time): Are we there yet?

Crystal: Duo you ask one more time and I'll throw you out of the car. (Shannon and Mae are singing 'Henry the Eighth') And you two stop singing that stupid song! I am about ready to pull over and kill some one! (Shannon and Mae stop singing. After a couple of minutes of silence.) Mae, stop it.

Mae: I didn't do anything.

Crystal: I know what you're thinking and don't even think it. Remember we have a link. (the guys give Crystal a strange look and Mae starts humming something softly.) Mae I said stop. (Mae keeps humming)

Duo: What's so bad about her humming?

Crystal: It's not that she's humming, it's what she's humming.

Heero: What is she humming? (as if on cue Mina starts singing 'the song that never ends' which of course catches on in about one minute.)

Crystal(screams and pulls over suddenly then slams on the brakes): We are not moving until I say so!! ( she turns off the engine, unbuckles and turns to glare at everyone.) These are the rules if we're going to finish this trip. First, No more asking "are we there yet". (Glares at Duo) second, No whining, complaining, grouching, etc. (glares at Wufei) and finally, No and I mean absolutely positively N-O, NO more eternal songs!!!! (death glares at Mae. Everyone else gulps ((or sits there)) as she continues) Does everyone understand me? (Various agreements) Good then we'll continue our trip. (Restarts the car, buckles up and heads off. After a few more minutes of driving in silence) Mae!!

Mae: What?!? You know I get bored on long trips!!

Crystal: Some one give her a book, a Walkman, Discman or something!!

Mina: Can you deal with 'Miss Mary'?

Crystal(thinking for a moment): Yeah I suppose it's better than any of the eternal songs. (Mina and Mae starts playing the 'Miss Mary' game ((for those who don't know it a hand clapping game involving a rhyme)) Wufei glares at the two of them as if they're insane. About an hour or two later ((everyone except Duo, Heero and Crystal fell asleep)) they pull into the hotel parking lot.)

Crystal: You two stay here, don't wake anyone, don't touch anything and don't do anything stupid. I'm going to check us in, and get our room keys. (they nod in agreement. Crystal goes into the building.)

Duo(trying to keep his voice down): Hey Heero? You think these places will have anything interesting? Or do you think we'll be bored?

Trowa(who was never really asleep): The girls seemed excited about this trip, so I assume it should be interesting.

Heero: I thought you were asleep. (Trowa shakes his head slightly. Crystal returns.)

Crystal: Ok everyone up and at em!! (various reactions as everyone wakes up. Mae looks up to see Trowa's face then sits up abruptly which knocks Mina over. Quatre blushes as Shannon sits up. ((Mae was leaning against Trowa while she slept, and Shannon was leaning against Quatre.)) eventually they all wake up.) Start getting your stuff together. I've already checked us in, so we can go straight to our rooms. And Mae you are never booking rooms again.

Mae: What happened? Did they cancel our reservation or something?

Crystal: No but we only have one room, but luckily it's a double room.

Duo: A double room?

Crystal: That means it's one room but it's like two that are connected by a door, they even have the same balcony.

Mae: Well sue me. I booked the rooms when I thought it was just us girls.

Crystal: Anyway, let's get going. (Everyone unloads the car onto two of those carts, and heads up to the 10th floor)

Mae: We're on the 10th floor? Then I'm sleeping as far from the window as possible.

Wufei: It would figure that you're afraid of heights of all things. I suppose you're afraid of rodents too?

Mae: Crys? Can I throw him out the window when we get to our rooms?

Crystal & Heero: No. (they get to their rooms, Crystal hands Heero and Quatre the keys to one room and gives Shannon the second key to the other room. Everyone goes into the rooms and unpacks or whatever. Crystal walks to the door separating the rooms and knocks on it. From the other side.)

Duo: Who is it?

Crystal: Duo, open the door, unless some one isn't decent.

Duo: Are we decent in here?

Heero: Duo, open the door now. (Duo opens the door.)

Crystal: Thank you Heero. Anyway since it's only seven I thought we'd get some rest before we head out. Shannon and I made an approximate itinerary so you'll know at least where we're going each day. (she hands each of them a paper. They look at the papers with various reactions.)

Trowa: This seems like a lot of activity for a week vacation. (the others minus Duo agree with him. ((the itinerary is as follows: Monday, Disneyland; Tuesday, Knott's Berry Farm; Wednesday, Universal Studio & Beach; Thursday, Magic Mountain; Friday, Disneyland. Saturday, head home.)) The other girls enter the room so that everyone is in the same room.)

Quatre: No offense to your planning but will we have enough time to do everything?

Mae: Of course, my family has been going on trips like this since I was seven years old. Actually this is a mild trip for me, we usually do more. (getting the 'are you insane' looks from the guys ((minus Trowa, no expressions remember?)) She shakes her head.) I'm serious, my family likes to keep busy.

Trowa: You seem to take things slowly.

Mae(she blushes ever so slightly): I'm the purple sheep of the family.

Wufei: Onna don't you mean 'black sheep'?

Mae(rolling her eyes): Wufei, get used to it I never say exact sayings because they don't apply to me. And I meant purple, because a 'black sheep' would actually get accepted by my family more easily than I am. But anyway we have half an hour before the park opens for any rest we want to get, and I personally am going to shower after being in the car that long. (goes back to the other room)

Crystal: Thanks for the announcement Mae.

Mina(starts following Mae): Don't take too long I want to wash my hair too. (Crystal and Shannon follow)

Shannon: We'll knock again before we leave, okay? (20 minutes, and several arguments later, they've all piled back into the HumV and are in the Disneyland parking lot. ((I am messing with the theme parks in my world there is no California Adventure and no I don't have permission to use the parks but then I'm not making any money off this story either.)) They start the long trek to the gates.)

Duo: Man this is a huge parking lot. Are all the parking lots like this?

Crystal: Yes but most of them have trams that will drive you to the gates. (they reach the gates after a round of '99 bottles of beer on the wall' ((minus Crystal, Heero, Trowa, Wufei, and Quatre.)) they purchase their tickets, and enter the park.)

Mina: So where are we going to start?

Mae: I thought we'd just go around the park. So if we start in Tomorrowland we'll end in Adventureland and then we can hang out here on Main Street until the light parade and fireworks, unless anyone really objects? (no arguments) Ok then lets get started. We have to get to Space Mountain before the line starts to get real big. (when they get there the line is only 10 minutes)

Shannon: Now all we have to do is hope the rest of the day goes like this.

Mae: Don't jinx us.

Wufei: If you're superstitious so help me..

Mae: You finish that sentence and I'll deck you.

Trowa: Are you superstitious?

Mae: Not really, I am but I'm not, if you know what I mean. (Trowa nods while Wufei gives the 'you make no sense weakling' look) Anyway..

(the line moves pretty quickly when they reach the front and are assigned their spots ((I'm assuming it's the two seater rocket pods, so here's the rundown starting at seat one: Crystal & Duo, Heero & Mina, Shannon & Quatre, Wufei, yes he's riding by himself, and Trowa & Mae)) their rocket pod arrives and they board the ride ((I won't go into details on the rides, except maybe reactions on the slower rides)) by the end of the ride ((after some swearing and cussing on the ride)) as they're getting off..)

Duo: That was great!!

Quatre: I agree.

Wufei: It was okay.

Duo: Wu-man are you dead? That was great! Can we go again?

Mae: Later we can but now we have to get to Star Tours. And before you ask again, we're going to go on every ride in the park once then we'll go back to the better ones. Ok?

Duo: I suppose. But that one is definitely on the list right? (the girls chuckle and agree. They have various conversations in the Star Tours line. They sit in the entire middle row during the ride. After the ride is over when they're on their way to "Honey I Shrunk the Audience".)

Duo: That was just odd.

Heero It reminded me of the ZERO system. (the girls look at each other then shudder)

Crystal: That was wrong! Don't ever make a comparison like that again. (the other girls agree with her. They go in to the HISA theater and watch ((I think they enjoyed it)) as they head over to the Autopia, the guys are actually talking to the girls)

Heero: That was strange.

Mina: Yeah and to think it was nothing like the movie.

Heero(raising an eye at her): There was a movie for that?

Mae: Three actually each one was stranger than the previous.

Wufei(raising his eye): You have the number of movies memorized?

Mae: I grew up on Disney movies I can name all of them and some obscure fact about each one. (all the guys give her a look) I know it seems really weird but I also spent two years studying Disney for a class. And before you ask the class was animation.

Duo: You "studied" animation? That's cool I didn't know you could study animation. Why didn't you sign me up for one of those classes Heero?

Heero: Because I'm hoping you'll learn something while we're here.

Duo: Really? What do you 'hope' for me to learn?

Heero: Anything.

Quatre: Heero that was mean.

Wufei: But true. Hopefully Maxwell will also learn to keep his mouth shut. (before Duo can say anything they reach the Autopia. Mae decides to sit this ride out as does Wufei ((he refuses because it's "a juvenile ride" that is beneath him. And Mae just doesn't want to.)) So the two sit and wait for the others to get off while Mae eats a churro)

Mae: Why do you pick on me?

Wufei: Because you're weak.

Mae(still eating the churro): If I'm so weak how come I knocked you over with a chair?

Wufei: Because I wasn't expecting a chair to fly at me.

Mae: You know what?

Wufei(exasperated): What onna?

Mae: You remind me of my older brother. (Wufei gives her the 'you're crazy look' again) It's true. (before she can finish the others approach.)

Crystal: I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it.

Mae: What?

Mina(smiling): Heero made our car go faster than it should have been able to go.

Wufei: Yuy, didn't you warn Maxwell to try to 'blend in'?

Shannon: Anyway we have an entire park to see in one day. So let's get going. (I am going to blur the rest of the day. They went on every, and I mean every ride in Disneyland. The girls sat out on "It's a Small World" but the guys went on it ((they thought it was scary)). They liked most of the other rides. Everyone ((except Mae)) fell asleep in the Tiki Room. They almost got kicked off Splash Mountain ((they got into a water fight)) and did the usual "ooh" and "aah" during the fireworks. By the end of the day everyone was wired and had no intention of sleeping as they get into the HumV)

Duo: That place was awesome beyond words!

Quatre: It's little wonder they call it "the happiest place on Earth". Even you and Wufei would have to agree to that Heero.

Heero: It was okay.

Duo: Okay?!? You actually smiled while we were in there, and you can't deny it because I saw you. And I know Wu-man had at least some fun, right Wu- man?

Wufei: If you don't stop calling me "Wu-man" I will cut your braid off while you sleep. (Duo grabs his braid protectively)

Quatre: You didn't answer Duo's question, Wufei. Did you enjoy yourself?

Wufei(scowling): It was, as Yuy put it, okay. But if that's the best this place has to offer for amusement I'm disappointed.

Quatre: Why are you disappointed?

Wufei: That place was obviously meant for children and weaklings.

Mae: Hey Crys, I think he'll definitely like Magic Mountain.

Wufei: What makes you think I'll like it any better than this place?

Crystal & Mae: Just a hunch.

Quatre: Shannon, do those two do that often?

Shannon: Way too often. They have a kind of psychic link to each other.

Trowa: Is that what Crystal meant by their link?

Mina: Yeah and I wish you two would stop already, it's creepy.

Crystal: You know we.

Mae: Can't help it. (getting looks) Ok I'll be quiet now.

Quatre: You don't have to.

Crystal: Unless you want her and I talking sentences together one of us has to stop talking. (they reach the hotel and head up trying not to make too much noise. They all agree to just sit up and chat for awhile, and since the guys don't feel comfortable sitting in the girls room they all sit in the guys room.)

Mina: Does anyone mind if I turn on the TV? (no real arguments, so she turns it on and finds the movie 'Grease' on. Crystal groans)

Duo: What's wrong?

Crystal: It's Grease.

Heero: So?

Crystal: So they're going to sing along with it. (right on cue Mina, Shannon, and Mae start singing with 'Summer Lovin'. Some eyes are raised, Shannon and Mina ignore the reaction, but Mae stops singing and blushes slightly.)

Duo: Why'd you stop you looked like you were having fun?

Crystal: She doesn't act like it but she's actually shy about any kind of performing. (getting some "I don't believe you" looks) If you don't believe me ask her about her old orchestra performance.

Quatre: You were in an orchestra? What did you play?

Mae: I kinda played the viola, then the violin.

Wufei: How can you 'kinda' play an instrument? You either play or you don't.

Mae: Well technically I did play until it came time for a performance. Then I freaked out and faked it.

Duo: How do you fake a performance?

Mae: I looked like I was playing the viola but the bow never touched the strings.

Quatre(trying not to snicker): And you never got caught?

Mae: No, in fact I was informed by one of the judges at competition that I was the best player in the group. (Duo, and Quatre snicker, Heero and Wufei raise an eye, and Shannon and Mina are still singing with the movie. They continue with various conversations and listening to Mina and Shannon sing, when they hear a knock at the door. Everyone looks at Duo.)

Duo: What? I didn't order any food if that's what you think.

Crystal: You know what he's right, he's been sitting by me since we got back and the phone is on the other side of me.

Quatre: So who could be at the door?

Mae: I'll get it and find out.

Duo: Aren't you worried? What if it's some lunatic out killing people?

Mae: Then I know I'm not alone. (ignoring his "huh?" she opens the door and gets attacked, by someone hugging her ((the guys would have pulled out their weapons but the girls made them leave them at Mae's house)).)

?: I knew that was your voice, and what is your problem? You're supposed to call me when you got into town. Remember? Why did I have to hear from your mom that you were in town and where you're staying?

Mae: Allie? (pulls away from the other person) Oh Mnemosyne, I totally forgot to call you!! I'm sorry.

Allie: You should be. And where's my 'Aloha'?

Mae(shaking her head): You're never gonna change are you?

Allie: Not in this lifetime sista-girl, so are you going to introduce me to all your friends?

Mae: Yeah, duh. Sorry come on in. Everyone this is my cousin Allison, or Allie. Allie this is Crystal, Duo, Heero, Mina, Quatre, Shannon, Wufei, and Trowa. (points to everyone one in turn)

Allie: Nice to meet you all, but I only stopped by to reprimand you for not calling.

Mae: Hey Allie, what are you doing tomorrow?

Allie: Absolutely nothing, why?

Mae: Because we're going to Knott's you can join us if you want.

Allie: Why not. I'll meet you at Independence Hall in the morning. See you then. (she leaves)

Heero: Are you insane or just determined to die?

Mae(shrugs): Possibly a little of both. Anyway I'm going to get some exercise then go to sleep. Later. (walks back into the girls room. Trowa gets up and walks out to the balcony.)

Heero: Trowa, where are you going?

Trowa: To get some air.

Heero: You haven't forgotten what I said have you? (Trowa ignores him and walks out onto the balcony)

Duo: What did you tell him Heero?

Heero: Nothing.

Crystal: Alright doom and gloom spill it now, or I'll not only beat you profusely but I'll call up your visitors, and tell them where you are.

Duo: Um Crystal, you wouldn't really do that, would you?

Shannon: She would. You can tell by the look on her face. (everyone turns to face Heero)

Mina: So what did you tell Trowa?

Heero: I reminded him that we're only here for a short time. (falls back as he's beaten with pillows by Crystal and Mina. Duo and Shannon pull them off.)

Crystal(giving him the "beyond death" glare): You really are a jerk you know that? If you have any brains in that thick head of yours you'll leave him alone. Otherwise I'll make you regret it.

Wufei: What concern is it of yours what we do or say?

Crystal: It's my concern because it involves one of my friends.

Quatre(frowning): Heero you shouldn't have said something like that to Trowa. You know what he can be like. (meanwhile on the balcony. Trowa is staring out at the sky and the lights of L.A.)

Mae: Mind if I join you? (he turns and shakes his head) You like the view?

Trowa: It's okay. I like the colony view better. From the colonies you can see countless stars, the moon and the Earth.

Mae(with one hand behind her back): Must be great. I've always wanted to see the Earth from space. I think that would be the ultimate romantic view. (blushes) But anyway, I wanted to talk to you.

Trowa(looking back at the sky): About what?

Mae: Well I.here. (hands him a note) This says what I can't. (turns away as he reads it. ((I don't think I'll let you know what the letter says it's real boring. ::ducks as she is attacked by flying objects:: Ok then again I've been convinced.)))

(the note): Trowa;

I have been trying to write this since Monday night. I have re- written it

too many times to count. But here goes: Okay, when you kissed me to

get rid of the other girls I felt a. spark. I've sorta been hoping that you

felt it too. I mean, well, part of me hopes you did, but I'll understand if not.

Hopefully you know what I'm saying. But if not I'll say it in a way I know you'll

understand. Even if you don't feel the same,

Aishiteru.

(While Mae still has her back to him Trowa gets the notepad and pen from the table and writes something, then tears the page out and folds it in half, leaving it on the table. He then returns to the guys room. Mae turns as she hears the door close.)

Mae(shaking her head, and mentally kicking herself): I knew I shouldn't have done that. (sees the note on the table as she's about to leave, and picks it up. She reads it aloud yet quietly..) "Aishiteru, boku no chou." (she half-smiles as she goes into the girls room, to find the others in there getting ready to go to sleep.)

Crystal: So did you enjoy the view?

Mae(blushing lightly): It was okay.

Mina: She's blushing it had to be great.

Crystal: So what happened?

Mae(smiling): Same thing that happened Friday night. Nothing. (they all get into their beds or roll-aways.) Hey Shannon?

Shannon: Yeah?

Mae: Do you have your Japanese dictionary with you?

Shannon: Of course, when don't I?

Mae: Could you look something up for me?

Shannon: Yeah hang on a sec and I get it out. (pulls it out of her bag) Ok.

Mae: Ok, what does "chou" mean?

Shannon: How is it spelled? Do you know?

Mae: "C-H-O-U".

Shannon(half humming): Dddd.dddd.dddd.. Here it is "chou" it means butterfly. Where'd you hear it?

Mae: Just around. Night. (the other three look at each other then shrug and turn out the lights. In the guys room ((this is a kinda flashback, which means what I'm about to write happened at about the same time as the girls conversation)).)

Quatre: Did you enjoy the view Trowa?

Trowa: It was ok. I saw a butterfly.

Duo: Really, way up here? Cool, what did it look like?

Trowa(barely smiling): It's hard to describe but it looked like it was glowing.

Wufei: Glowing? Could it have been a tracking unit? Or some other device sent out by OZ?

Trowa: No.

Heero: How can you be sure?

Trowa: I could tell. Good night. (the guys exchange a look then Heero turns out the light and they go to sleep.)







Author's note: the disclaimer never changes and this will probably be my only Author's note but so you know i'm not the greatest writer and i will never claim to be, I'm just someone who gets weurd ideas and puts them into words for the amusement of others. the chapters are written in a way so that they are continuous. later.